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Council to authorize mayor to send tribal‑engagement letter to Yakama Nation under HB 1717
Summary
Byron told the council the city must conduct government‑to‑government outreach with the Yakama Nation under House Bill 1717 and the Growth Management Act; he named Lydia Bitzoy as his tribal contact and said he hopes to present at the Yakama Nation full tribal council meeting in March.
Byron explained that recent changes in Washington law require the city to reach out to the Yakama Nation about the periodic update and climate element. He said the outreach is government‑to‑government and the resolution authorizes the mayor to sign a letter inviting the tribe to voluntarily opt in to the planning process, and to provide feedback on elements affecting traditional hunting and gathering areas.
Byron said he has coordinated wording with Lydia Bitzoy, who he identified as his tribal contact and who he described as an assistant tribal administrative director; he said he is seeking a slot on the tribe’s full council March agenda and that council and members of the public are welcome to attend if invited. Byron also noted the need to be clear about jurisdictional limits when contacting a sovereign tribal government that receives outreach from multiple county and city jurisdictions.
Councilors asked clarifying questions about public access to the tribal meeting and about invitation procedures; Byron and other speakers advised that attendance may require an invitation from the tribe.
